To the community of St John Paul II College,

This Sunday, the church celebrates Palm Sunday marking the beginning of Holy Week, the most sacred time of year for Christians.

Palm Sunday recalls the moment that Jesus enters into Jerusalem and is greeted by the people waving palm branches. For Christians, it is a reminder of the welcoming of Jesus into our hearts and of our willingness to follow him.

At Mass on Palm Sunday, we hear the story of The Passion - the story of the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth. We listen to the story as we approach Easter miracle with knowledge of the coming resurrection of Jesus. 

Year 9/10 Outdoor Ed Camp

Thank you to the students and staff that attended the Outdoor Education Camp to Broulee this week. Students participated in a number of activities and worked together to ensure the camp was a success. The group returned from camp Wednesday afternoon having “had a great time away” but also “tired from the activities and ready for their warm, comfy beds.”

Open Evening

On Thursday afternoon, the College welcomed prospective students and their families to JPC for our annual Open Evening. Guests were invited to tour the facilities and hear from our students and staff in showcases of both subject and whole school areas.

Thank you to the students who gave up their afternoon and evening to participate in the night. This includes our wonderful tour guides, showcase experts, band members and Hospitality students. These students modelled all of the qualities that we hope to develop in all members of our community. Their warm, and welcoming nature ensured that families left with an extremely positive view of our school.

I would also like to thank the teaching and support staff that assisted on the night. In particular to Mrs Bramham whose leadership of the night ensured all details were organised to the highest standard.

Chinese Languages Trip 2023 - Singapore

This Sunday, 33 students and 4 staff will depart for the Chinese Languages Trip to Singapore. Students will spend a week learning and practicing their language skills whilst being immersed in a rich cultural experience. A special thank you to Mrs Mai Vannavong for her leadership in planning the trip. Images and details of the trip will be shared via our social media pages.

Jacob Knowles

Assistant Principal – Development

Drexel and Mathieu House

Last night we held our annual Open Evening for the upcoming CE Enrolment Period in May.

The evening would not have been so successful without all the amazing students and staff who volunteered their time to help.

I would like to say a HUGE thank you to the students who helped with preparations prior to the event, setup, hospitality, music, drama, faculty helpers and the many tour guides. I had over 90 students help throughout the evening and each one of them stepped up and presented themselves beautifully and with great courage.

THANK YOU!

Mrs Bramham
Public Relations & Careers Administration Officer

This year our Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews will be held in person at St John Paul II College’ s school hall. Please note there are no Teams sessions being held this year. There are two sessions:

• Term 1 Week 10, Wednesday 5^th April 2023 from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm – BOOKINGS CLOSE 4 April at noon
• Term 2 Week 1, Thursday 27^th April 2023 from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm – BOOKINGS CLOSE 26 April at noon

Bookings are made through the Sentral Parent Portal. You must be registered in the portal to be able to book.

Note – Instructions on how to access the Parent Portal (Sentral) https://jpc.act.edu.au/key-jpc-links

Kind Regards

Tanya Thomas
Curriculum and Assessment Assistant

Congratulations to Hannah Nguyen (Year 8) on her fantastic poster for the Harmony Week Poster competition.

Hannah’s poster will be used as the promotional poster for our multicultural day in Term 3.

An exciting, happy, adventurous and awesome camp that engaged students to Kayak, Surf, Snorkel, Stand Up Paddle Board and chill on the beach. 

Mr Maloney, Ms Magyar, Mr McDonnell, Ms Robinson and the instructors were very proud of the 9/10 students' achievements and how they committed to the activities. 

Overall, students did GREAT with their camp gear and food and had a real go at all activities. 

Fun fact: if you snorkel nearby the beach, the crackle you hear under the water is Sea Urchins eating algae. 

Well done Outdoor Ed,

From the Outdoor Education Teacher Team

Mr. Adam McDonnell
Teacher – Outdoor Education, PE

Helps with the cost of schooling and everyday needs

The Future of Education Equity Fund provides financial support to eligible families, helping students access everyday essentials that assist with their education and wellbeing needs. It supports families with students who are enrolled in years P-12 in ACT schools (including non-government schools) or another approved form of education who meet the eligibility criteria.

The Future of Education Equity Fund provides a one-off, annual payment to low-income families living in the ACT to help cover the costs of education expenses such as school uniforms, school excursions, sport equipment and activities and music lessons.

The following payments are available to those who meet the eligibility criteria:

• $400 for preschool students
• $500 for primary school students
• $750 for high-school and college students.

Please see link for full details and how to apply:-

https://www.education.act.gov.au/support-for-our-students/financial-and-resource-assistance-for-families

The office will be closed in the first week of the school holidays (10-14 April).

During the second week (17-21 April) the office will be open from 10 am to 2 pm each day.

Please email the college office.jpc@cg.catholic.edu.au in the first instance.

Regards

College Office

Dear Parents & Carers,

If your child is not continuing at JPC for Term 2 2023, please complete the Leaver's Clearance Form (see link below) so we can update our records. JPC is required to update the student movement register with the Department of Education.

Please check the lost property table located by the Student Office by the end of Term 1.

Any items that are unnamed by Thursday 6 April will be donated or thrown away.

Please make sure all items are labelled so the office can return them to you.

Thank you

Parish Newsletter

For the latest news Click here or you can view it on the Parish App or visit the website below.

Competition Information

Entry IS NOW OPEN for the 2023 Schools Poetry & Short Story 'Cool Writings' Writing Competition! Students all over Australia are invited to enter their 16 line poems OR 500 word short stories, and battle it out for the great cash & prizes on offer.

There is no theme!! Entrants are encouraged to let their imaginations run wild and write on ANY TOPIC and in ANY STYLE. Students from ALL GRADES are welcome to enter - Kindergarten to Grade 12.

Entry is FREE and all entries must be in by the EXTENDED closing date of 23 April 2023!
*Please note, entry forms still have original closing date of 26 March 2023 on them. The competition HAS BEEN EXTENDED to 23 APRIL and all entries will be accepted up to this date.

THE BOOK

Poems and short stories entered into the competition may be considered for inclusion in our 2023 Write4fun anthology!* Those selected will have the opportunity to purchase the edition at a discounted rate. 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizewinners and Finalists will be featured in the publication and receive a complimentary copy of the book.
*Anthology publication is dependent on interest from competition participants.

The next session of the ACT Junior Lawn Bowlers Program 2023 will be at Yowani Country Club

• 4.00 pm – 6.00 pm
• Friday 31 March
• Yowani Country Club Lyneham.

The session is primed for beginners to advanced levels for boys and girls aged 12 to 18 years

A further session is planned for Friday 14 April 2023 4 pm-6 pm.

Phillip Beggs
President
Yowani Country Club Bowls